Our purpose
Business creates opportunities for people to work together, understand different perspectives and build shared interests. UECN connects businesses across China and the UAE to encourage cooperation, strengthen mutual understanding and contribute to peace.
Discover Our MissionThe UAE Government has launched the Ajman Unified Attestation Package to streamline corporate regulatory procedures. The initiative reduces Chamber of Commerce document issuance and attestation from 15 steps to three, enabling digital completion within minutes.
The UAE Federal Tax Authority has issued Decision No. 13 of 2026, establishing mandatory supplier due diligence requirements for input VAT deductions effective October 1, 2026. Under the rules implementing Article 54 bis of the UAE VAT Law, businesses must formally verify vendor identities, premises, and commercial rationale to avoid denial of tax recovery. Specific controls, including UAE bank account verifications, apply to annual transactions exceeding AED 375,000.
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has outlined updated compliance procedures for delayed wages under the Wage Protection System. The framework utilizes a graduated enforcement model starting with electronic monitoring and automated notifications before moving to administrative measures. Officials emphasized that the update formalizes governance without creating new substantive obligations for businesses.
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has integrated artificial intelligence into work permit workflows, cutting review times to under one minute. Over 11 million transactions were automatically processed, and work-permit quota determinations are now instant. Additionally, predictive risk models guided approximately 212,000 field inspections under the Zero Bureaucracy Programme.
UAE legal experts outlined statutory fines facing employers who sponsor foreign workers on residence visas without actively employing them. Violators risk fines of AED 50,000 under residency laws, alongside labor fines reaching up to AED 1,000,000. Judicial precedent distinguishes cases based on whether employees were deployed upon arrival.
Understand the policies, laws and regulations shaping business across China and the UAE.
Business registration · Investment · Taxation · Customs · Trade · Financial regulation · Employment · Visas · Free-zone policies
The UAE Federal Tax Authority issued Decision No. 15 of 2026, extending the corporate tax exemption filing window for investment funds to 90 business days. Concurrently, Cabinet Decision No. 149 of 2026 and related decisions introduced revisions to VAT input recovery rules and e-invoicing timelines.
The UAE government has confirmed the family sponsorship privileges available under the Golden Visa scheme, permitting holders to secure residence permits for three categories of relatives. According to official portal information reported by Legit.ng, eligible family members include spouses, children of any age, and parents. Unlike standard residency routes that impose age caps on sponsored children, adult children remain eligible under the Golden Visa framework.
Group of Seven leaders have agreed to release 100 million barrels of crude oil and fuel reserves over four months to address surging energy prices and market volatility. The coordinated plan, executed through the International Energy Agency, frontloads a substantial volume of diesel during the first 20 days. The group also committed to synchronising refinery maintenance schedules and urged the full restoration of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Follow the trade, investment and partnerships bringing China and the UAE closer together.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang completed visits to Saudi Arabia and the UAE to strengthen ties across traditional energy, renewable technologies, and electric vehicles. Bilateral trade between China and the UAE reached a record 50 billion dollars in the first half of 2024. Discussions also addressed reviving negotiations for a China-GCC free trade agreement.
Abu Dhabi has advanced its multi-billion-dollar 'Zero Hormuz' infrastructure initiative, expanding container terminals and oil storage at the Port of Fujairah. Managed by sovereign platform L'imad Holding, the project aims to safeguard trade and energy routes to China and other Asian partners outside the Strait of Hormuz. The initiative coincides with discussions regarding the privatisation of AD Ports Group at a $9 billion valuation.
Dubai will host the inaugural Dubai International Electric Vehicle Exhibition and Conference (EV World 2026) from November 10 to 12 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Organised by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, the event will gather over 300 companies and organisations and more than 10,000 visitors. The exhibition will feature advancements across electric and hydrogen vehicles, battery systems, charging networks, and autonomous mobility.
Maritime traffic along Russia's Northern Sea Route reached 133 voyages in September, more than quadrupling the level from 2022 as operators seek alternatives to vulnerable Middle Eastern chokepoints. Chinese shipping operators are stepping up Arctic operations, with the container vessel Dubai Tower completing a 24-day journey from Qingdao to the UK. While Arctic transit reduces voyage lengths compared to Suez Canal routes, high operational costs and insurance considerations remain key challenges.
Explore the industries creating new opportunities for cooperation across both markets.
Energy & Sustainability
China Eleventh Chemical Construction Company has been awarded two construction packages for the 890-megawatt Duqm power project in Oman. The $910 million combined-cycle gas turbine project is being developed by Coastal Power SAOC, a consortium that includes UAE-based Etihad Water and Electricity. Commercial operations for the power generation facility are scheduled for 2029.
Consumer Markets & Tourism
Flydubai dispatched a replacement aircraft to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, to transport 170 to 180 passengers onward to Tel Aviv after flight FZ1073 diverted due to a mid-air emergency on September 30, 2026. While media reported initial hesitation among some travelers to board another flydubai flight, Saudi authorities did not permit Israeli-registered planes to land. Tabuk airport officials confirmed all stranded passengers ultimately departed the kingdom aboard the replacement service.
Consumer Markets & Tourism
The UAE's e-commerce sector recorded a 20% expansion since February 2026, propelled by mobile-first purchasing, faster logistics, and cashless payments, according to Khaleej Times. Sector growth was led by double-digit gains in food delivery, beauty, fashion, and packaged groceries. The expansion is aligned with state goals under the UAE Digital Economy Strategy.
Energy & Sustainability
The UAE has 136 energy projects under development with an estimated capital expenditure of $210 billion, according to data presented by the Energy Industries Council (EIC). Oil and gas projects account for the majority of the pipeline, led by upstream developments representing nearly 40% of planned capex. The council noted that not all tracked projects have yet reached a final investment decision.
Stay informed about official travel advisories, entry restrictions and transport disruptions across the Middle East.
Transit restriction
Kuwait International Airport
Emergency / health travel notice
Dubai–Tel Aviv flight route / Tabuk Airport
Flight cancellation / route change
Dubai - Tel Aviv route / Tabuk airport
Emergency / health travel notice
Flydubai flight FZ1073 / Tabuk Airport, Saudi Arabia
Alerts are based on official sources and show when they were last verified. Always follow the guidance of the official authorities. The absence of an alert does not mean that a destination is safe.
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